The Educational Studies and Leadership Department of the State University of New York at New Paltz offers a Masters degree in Professional Studies (MPS) in Humanistic/Multicultural Education. The 30-credit General Program is designed for human service, not-for-profit, and higher education professionals and K-12 educators wanting a focus on multicultural education. Those with elementary and secondary provisional certification seeking professional certification can obtain it upon completing this program. The 36-credit Teacher Certification Sequence of the program provides special subject teachers (family/consumer science, health, music, physical education, or technology) who are provisionally certified with professional certification.

30-Credit General Program

This program is open to professionals doing educational work in a wide variety of settings including schools, human services agencies, institutions of higher education, not-for-profits, and more. K-12 teachers committed to multicultural education can obtain professional certification, with advisement, upon completing the program.

Prospective students include those working in educational settings such as group homes, child care centers, cooperative extension services, community-based recreation and education programs, youth agencies, women’s centers, hospitals, and other human service agencies that offer educational as well as clinical services. Prospective students include those working in higher education settings in areas such as residence life, student activities, educational and career advisement, and conference services.

In addition, prospective students include those with elementary and secondary certification seeking professional K-12 certification, as well as teachers, administrators, and staff seeking further graduate work in diversity education. The program provides a solid foundation in social justice education for professionals in all districts and especially those working in urban settings. It also serves educators in community colleges, private school settings, and community agencies.

36-Credit Teacher Certification Track for Special Subject Teachers

The program of study provides professional certification to special subjects teachers (family/consumer science, health, music, physical eduation, or technology) who are provisionally certified. It focuses on offering content and skills necessary for teaching the diverse student population of New York State. Geared for those who already have a strong background in their content area, this program provides teachers with effective instructional practices for actively engaging all students in developmentally appropriate and meaningful learning. Teachers graduate with knowledge and strategies to engage and challenge all students to reach their fullest potential--intellectually, emotionally, and socially.

In particular, the courses in the program address these areas: multicultural/gender fair education, cooperative learning, conflict resolution, group process, active learning, curriculum development, qualitative research, and teacher leadership for innovation and change.

Alternative Program for K-12 teachers seeking Professional Certification(Elementary or Secondary)